WHITESBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines is appealing a judge’s decision to keep him jailed without bond as he awaits trial in the death of District Judge Kevin Mullins.

A notice filed Friday in Letcher Circuit Court says Stines is appealing the Aug. 11 order denying bond to the Kentucky Court of Appeals. The filing seeks an expedited bond appeal under Kentucky court rules.

Special Judge Christopher Cohron ruled earlier this month that Stines should remain held without bail pending the outcome of the case.

That same order granted a change of venue, finding the trial should not be held in Letcher County or an adjacent county because of extensive publicity surrounding the case. The court also approved an additional mental health examination.

Stines is accused in the September 2024 fatal shooting of Mullins inside the judge’s chambers at the Letcher County Courthouse.

A trial date has not yet been set.